Image Source:India Meteorological Department (IMD)/ Data: 03:00-03:27 PM

A massive weather system captured by satellite imagery has triggered fresh rain alerts across northern and southern parts of India, as meteorologists track intense cloud activity linked to a western disturbance and a possible early monsoon arrival.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across several Himalayan states. Officials said unstable weather conditions are expected as the system moves eastward across North India.

INSAT-3DS Satellite Captures Massive Cloud Formation

Latest thermal infrared imagery from the INSAT-3DS satellite showed a large spiral-shaped cloud mass spreading across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Weather experts said the bright white cloud bands visible over the western Himalayas indicate deep thundercloud development. Such systems are often associated with heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, and isolated hailstorms.

The cloud pattern reflects an active western disturbance interacting with hot pre-monsoon air over northern India. This combination is known to increase atmospheric instability and trigger severe weather activity.

Kerala Monsoon Signals Grow Stronger

At the same time, satellite observations also revealed growing cloud clusters over the Arabian Sea, Kerala, and Lakshadweep. Meteorologists said the formation points to strengthening southwest monsoon activity over southern India.

The IMD has already issued a yellow alert for rainfall in Kerala. Officials stated that monsoon onset could occur around May 26, earlier than the normal June 1 timeline.

Scientists said increasing moisture flow from the equatorial Indian Ocean toward the Kerala coast is one of the strongest indicators of an approaching monsoon system.